At 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, October 1st, the United States government has officially shut down. Two weeks ago, House Republicans passed a clean short-term continuing resolution to keep the government open and allow the House and Senate to finish the appropriations process. The House Appropriations Committee has passed all twelve appropriations bills out of committee.
Only one Democrat voted for it, even though this continuing resolution mirrors the same extensions that the vast majority of Democrats previously voted to support 13 times. House Republicans, Senate Republicans, and the White House are united in support of a clean, short-term CR to keep the government open.
Government shutdowns cost the taxpayers millions and have negative impacts on the economy. This is especially detrimental to thousands of Oklahomans who work or contract with the federal government. During a shutdown, our service members, TSA agents, CBP officers, and countless others could go unpaid.
Senator James Lankford expressed frustration on his Instagram: “It’s frustrating that we’re headed into a government shutdown. Senate Democrats voted against a nonpartisan plan to keep the government open. We’ll keep working. Let’s hope common sense prevails for the American people”.
Congresswoman Stephanie Bice issued the following statement:
“I am extremely frustrated we are heading into a government shutdown, a situation which was totally avoidable. This funding extension is nearly identical to numerous ones that Democrats have supported in the past, proving they would rather play games and hold the pay of millions of Americans hostage. By refusing to move our short-term funding bill forward, they are forcing a harmful and unnecessary shutdown that will cause instability for Oklahomans in my congressional district and across the country. This is not responsible governing; Washington should be providing stability, not chaos. I will continue fighting for solutions that put people first and keep the government functioning.”
House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02) released the following statement regarding the Republican majority’s decision to shut down the federal government. “Family farmers across the country are already facing increased uncertainty and pressure thanks to the president’s tariffs. Shutting down the government doesn’t improve their situation; it makes it worse. We got here because the Republican Party, which controls the House, Senate and the White House, has been unwilling to work with Democrats to agree on a bipartisan bill that ensures access to health care for millions of rural Americans. We are nearly a year into their majority and all we’ve got to show for it are trade wars, increased cost of living, worsening health care, higher unemployment and more hunger. Republican politicians need to start standing up to this administration’s terrible policies.”
U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) released the following statement:
“This Schumer Shutdown was completely avoidable,” said Senator Mullin. “Instead of doing the right thing and supporting a bipartisan effort to keep the government open, Chuck Schumer put his lifelong political career ahead of the tens of thousands of federal employees in Oklahoma. Terrified of a primary challenge from radical leftist AOC— Schumer rejected the same deal he supported just months ago, all to give healthcare to illegal alien criminals. President Trump has a mandate to govern, and it’s shameful to see Democrats throwing a temper tantrum and holding the American people hostage because they resent Americans for electing President Trump in the first place.”
“A shutdown halts normal government operations and limits federal agency activity to only essential services,” said Mullin. “Oklahomans should know that my offices will remain open and fully operational through the Schumer Shutdown. We are here to help. While many federal agencies release guidance for shutdowns, my team is available to answer any questions.”
Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement after the federal government was shut down because of congressional disagreements on funding.
“Oklahomans are paying the cost of Congress refusing to work together,” said Leader Munson. “Many agencies are preparing for mass firings, employees must continue their work without pay, and many are being furloughed. We must remember that these disagreements directly affect people–our family members and neighbors. This shutdown will not only cost taxpayers but cost the livelihoods of thousands of federal employees as well as those who rely on federal services. The truth is this: Republicans control the White House, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House–it is their job to govern, which includes reaching across the aisle to create a budget that works for everyone. In a time of immense dysfunction in Washington, I am disappointed in our federal delegation for not finding a way to collaborate with their colleagues across the aisle to ensure Oklahomans do not lose their jobs or services. While this shutdown gets addressed in an indefinite amount of time, I encourage Oklahomans to continue to be there for one another and take the proper steps they need to prevent their lives from being further derailed by an administration that does not appear to put people’s lives above political disagreements.”
House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) released the following statement after Democrats voted to shut down the government indefinitely:
“By voting to shut down the government, Democrats put critical USDA services in jeopardy. These political games harm rural America through disruptions to farm payments, disaster relief, food assistance, and other critical services. Performative photo ops at state fairs and lip service to the producers who feed, fuel, and clothe our country won’t hide the truth—Democrats forcing a government shutdown only inflicts more pain on our agricultural economy.”
This morning, at 12:01am, FY25 funding ran out. “Let me be clear: House Republicans did our job and passed a clean continuing resolution (CR) to prevent a shutdown. Despite voting over ten times for a CR in the last several years, Democrats are now shutting down the government and have introduced legislation asking for $1.5 trillion in new spending to reopen it. This is ridiculous and would cost every taxpayer approximately $9,300 (or $3,100 for every man, woman, and child in America, depending how you divide the cost)!!!” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.
The Democrats’ plan to reopen the government includes legislation that would:
- Repeal $50 billion from the rural hospital fund that Republicans passed in June;
- Fund trans surgeries on the taxpayer’s dime; and,
- Allow illegal aliens to receive taxpayer-funded free healthcare.
